Having clocked over 15 years with Nate Berkus Associates, you can bet design director Lauren Buxbaum Gordon knows a thing or two about creating a knockout room. “I honestly get excited about all elements of an interior,” says Lauren. “From the sofa style to ceiling fixture to the contrast welting on the pillows.” Like Nate, who originally hired Lauren as a summer intern, this design pro has an affinity for classical furniture shapes draped in sumptuous fabrics, and gilded antiques with the perfect amount of patina. Lauren’s talents have landed her work everywhere from the pages of the Chicago Tribune to Architectural Digest. To really dig into Lauren’s canon of designer know-how, we invited her for a round of Playing Favorites. Ahead, Lauren weighs in on her design musts, including her favorite place to scout design inspo, and the unexpected color combo that currently has her weak in the knees!
SHOP LAUREN BUXBAUM GORDON’S CHAIRISH FAVORITES >>
What do you love about shopping on Chairish?
I love shopping on Chairish because you never know what treasures you’re going to find. Plus, the prices are actually fair!
Is there any particular product category where Chairish is your go-to?
My go-to is the “search” box. I’ll enter whatever I’m on the hunt for. I almost always find whatever I’m looking for, or something even better!
Favorite 3 items on Chairish right now:
1960s Italian Angelo Brotto Brass Clamshell Table Lamp
Red Persian Travertine II Colonnato Dining Table by Mario Bellini for Cassina
Antique Mexicana Rush Seat Chair.
Favorite thing about designing with vintage pieces:
I love that vintage finds not only add patina and character, but they also put a unique spin on an interior.
Design
Favorite way to add drama to a room:
I love playing with scale and showing your sense of humor.
Favorite source for design inspiration:
I really get inspiration from everywhere: travel, fashion, historical references. But I also have hundreds of design books. I struggle with wanting to put tabs on all of the pages that I love and not wanting to see said tabs on my pretty bookshelves.
Favorite paint color:
Benjamin Moore’s Snowfall White. It’s the perfect soft white.
Favorite pattern (and how you love to use it):
It’s a tie between a stripe and a herringbone. I’ll use them on anything, from upholstery to a tile pattern to a painted ceiling detail.
Favorite design rule to break:
Color schemes. They’re against my religion.
Favorite color combo:
This is so hard because it changes all of the time. My most recent favorite is a bright lemon yellow and a rich camel.
Favorite way to mix high and low:
I mix high and low so often that I don’t even think about it. It has become totally engrained in my process. No matter a client’s budget, we regularly source from online auctions, handmade artisan sites and catalog furniture retailers. A good catalog find never fails to excite me!
Favorite way to work a bit of vintage into a room:
I actually work the opposite: I start with vintage and fill in with new pieces as needed. Vintage is always so much more interesting to me.
Lifestyle
Favorite travel destination to relax:
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Favorite travel destination for design inspiration:
France—everywhere from Avignon to Paris.
Favorite hotel to check in to:
Las Ventanas in Cabo San Lucas.
Favorite app:
Currently, The Bump which gives me a countdown until I can drink wine again.
Favorite morning beverage (and how you take it):
Coffee with one stevia.
Favorite thank you/hostess gift:
A coffee table book on a subject that the host is interested in.
Favorite adult beverage:
Patron Silver with fresh lemon juice and a splash of soda.
Favorite saying/quote:
“Leave it better than you found it.”
Favorite entertaining essential:
Fresh flowers and unscented candles.
Favorite artist:
Ethan Cook.
Favorite thing to collect:
At the moment, it’s old French marble mortars.
Local Favorites: Chicago
Favorite restaurant:
Roister.
Favorite hotel to recommend to visiting friends:
The Peninsula.
Favorite local culture hub:
Millennium Park. It really has something for everyone.
Favorite local attraction:
The lakefront.
Favorite local flea market/vintage hunting ground:
Broadway Antique Market.
Shop Lauren Buxbaum Gordon's Favorites
Shop Lauren Buxbaum Gordon’s Favorites >>
Lead photo by Heather Talbert Photography.
